Fencing Requirements: Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way requires pool barriers at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates under IRC Appendix G. Barriers are mandatory for pools and spas deeper than 24 inches.
View full Federal Way rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland pools must be enclosed by a 48-inch barrier with self-closing self-latching gates under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted in Kirkland Title 21.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Barrier Height | 48 inches | - |
| Max Opening | 4 inches | - |
| Gate Type | Self-closing and self-latching | - |
| Latch Height | 54 inches minimum | - |
| Code Reference | IRC Appendix G | - |
| Minimum height | - | 48 inches |
| Opening limit | - | 4 inch max |
| Gate latch | - | 54 inches high self-latching |
| Door alarm | - | Required if house is barrier |
| Code | - | ISPSC via WA State |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
How tall does my Federal Way pool fence have to be?
At least 48 inches high per IRC Appendix G, with a self-closing self-latching gate and no openings larger than 4 inches.
Do I need door alarms on my house?
If the house wall forms part of the barrier, doors that open to the pool area must have audible alarms or the pool must have a power safety cover.
Kirkland FAQ
Can my existing fence serve as the pool barrier?
Yes if it is at least 48 inches tall with proper gate self-closing and self-latching hardware, no climbable horizontal members on the outside, and openings not exceeding 4 inches.
Is a locked pool cover enough?
A motorized pool cover meeting ASTM F1346 may satisfy barrier requirements for spas and hot tubs, but most swimming pools still require a perimeter fence.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Kirkland compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool